Dumpster Diver Finds Dozens Of Live Fish Just Tossed Away Behind A PetSmart, Netizens Outraged (2024)

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Having a pet can be a great way to make your home more lively and fun, although it depends on the type of pet you decide to get. However, getting a new pet friend for yourself also comes with new responsibilities.

Unfortunately, some people may not live up to their duties and take care of the animals they’re supposed to. Today’s story covers how first-time dumpster diving friends found a box of live fish outside Petsmart, shared it on TikTok, and went viral.

More info: TikTok

Image credits: k8thegr8_32

A couple of friends decided to go dumpster diving for the first time and they found a box of live fish

Image credits: k8thegr8_32

Some of the jars had no water left, keeping in mind the dumpster’s location one could just wonder who threw the fish out

Image credits: k8thegr8_32

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The TikTok quickly went viral, gathering 59k comments and millions of likes, resulting in people sharing similar stories

People share a lot of different content and stories on TikTok. The variety is staggering, as the content ranges from meme compilations to relationship advice, to pets and even dumpster divers. One such dumpster diver is a TikToker by the username of k8thegr8_32 who uploaded a video of her and a friend showing their finding in a dumpster near a local Petsmart.

Although the hero of our story has only slightly above 15k followers on the platform, the video went viral, netting over 2 million likes and 59k comments. It’s unclear what they were expecting to find in Petsmart’s trash, but certainly didn’t think their discovery would be what it was.

Image credits: Mathias Reding (not the actual photo)

After opening the dumpster, they quickly noticed that there was a box, containing dozens of jars filled with water, and live fish in them. Most of the jars were filled with water at least halfway, but some of them were empty. Clearly outraged and disgusted, they decided to record and take the video online.

The video quickly went viral, gathering significant traction of over 2 million likes and 59k comments. People online were similarly appalled by whoever had done this misdeed, many even pointing fingers at Petsmart. If this wasn’t bad enough of a PR problem for Petsmart, people went on to share stories about their experience working there. Allegedly, after witnessing identical things depicted in the dumpster divers’ video, people swiftly quit their jobs.

Image credits: wirestock (not the actual photo)

It’s uncertain if Petsmart threw the fish out, but one can wonder. Nor can anyone verify if the people who shared their experience with Petsmart are telling the truth. But it’s safe to say that it’s not looking great for Petsmart.

However, it’s not the first time that Petsmart’s name has been involved in controversy over animal mistreatment. According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Petsmart, among others, have been buying their animals from an unethical wholesale dealer. The supplier was raided and later charged with 14 different federal law violations. Not a spectacular record of treating animals right, to say the least.

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Image credits: Random Retail (not the actual photo)

Although over 10 million animals are abused per year in the United States, there are countries that have strict animal protection laws in place too. The safest countries for animals are considered to be Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. All of the aforementioned countries score high on the animal rights protection index as they ensure animal welfare.

A good example of such laws in action took place in the United Kingdom. A 29-year-old man was jailed for 9 months, as well as banned from ever keeping any animals again, after horrendously mistreating his dog. Thankfully, the pet was saved, and the man was punished.

What do you think about the story? What would you do if you stumbled upon a similar finding? Let us know in the comments below.

You can watch the whole video below:

@k8thegr8_32 Found this in the dumpster at my local Petsmart. #dumpsterdiving ♬ original sound – k8thegr8_32

The official PetSmart reached out to the poster to find out more, but many netizens were unconvinced, saying that doing things like this is a corporate policy and perhaps even commonplace

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Dumpster Diver Finds Dozens Of Live Fish Just Tossed Away Behind A PetSmart, Netizens Outraged (2024)

FAQs

Is dumpster diving unethical? ›

In 1988, the Supreme Court ruled in State of California v. Greenwood that searching trash is legal as long as it does not conflict with any city, county, or state ordinances. Consider the following example of such an acceptable form of dumpster diving.

What do pet stores do with unsold fish? ›

Dumped fish are left to fend for themselves in an unfamiliar habitat. At this facility that supplies bettas to Petco, tens of thousands of fish were kept in small, often filthy bottles. In such a small volume of water, ammonia from the fish's waste builds up, quickly contaminating it.

What do pet stores do with betta fish? ›

In the cruel pet trade, betta fish (aka “Siamese fighting fish”) are fighting for their lives. Pet shops, discount superstores, florists, and even websites sell bettas who are forced to live in minuscule cups, small bowls, and even flower vases.

Why you shouldn't dumpster dive? ›

These include possible cuts from nails, knives, glass and other sharp objects that can end up in the garbage. There is also a possibility of becoming ill from bacteria, especially in the summer; the dumpsters themselves breed bacteria and some are sprayed with pesticides.

Why is dumpster diving frowned upon? ›

Dumpster diving can be hazardous, due to potential exposure to biohazardous matter, broken glass, and overall unsanitary conditions that may exist in dumpsters.

Can you dumpster dive at Sephora? ›

Is it illegal to Dumpster Dive at Sephora? Generally speaking, It is not illegal to dumpster dive at Sephora. However, since most of the Sephora stores are considered private property, you need to make sure there are no trespassing restriction signs clearly visible on the premise.

How old are betta fish when you get them from PetSmart? ›

Betta fish live for an average of three years long. If they live in ideal conditions with the best care, it can sometimes be longer. Keep in mind that they may already be six months to a year old by the time they make it to the pet store. Can Multiple Betta Fish Live Together?

What happens to the betta fish at Petco? ›

Petco's betta fish are born on breeding farms, which are the underwater equivalent of puppy mills. They are starved and confined to cramped bags during transport to Petco stores and live in small bowls without heating or filtration in stores. Many become seriously ill and are usually denied veterinary care.

What does PetSmart do with sick betta fish? ›

Aww, that means a lot to hear, when our betta fish get sick in store we give them daily water changes and doses of bettafix, but there isn't a fixed schedule of treatment or fish veterinarian around so they just sit in our back room getting worse or better. That's actually how I started my sorority tank.

What can I do with unwanted betta fish? ›

You could donate it to a pet shop, primary school, animal collage. The pet shop would probably sell it. The primary school will probably teach the children about the fish and how to keep them.

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